Written Question · S4W-28196 · Session 4
What its position on introducing speed awareness courses; whether it would consider using these as an alternative to prosecuting drivers fo…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position on introducing speed awareness courses; whether it would consider using these as an alternative to prosecuting drivers for low-end speeding offences, and, if so, how it would encourage the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to use it as a means of case disposal.
The answer
The Scottish Government supports the general principle of driver education as an alternative to prosecution, where appropriate.
At present, prosecutors may offer diversion from prosecution courses in relation to careless driving, but there is no equivalent diversion scheme in relation to speeding.
We are therefore working with key partners from our Road Safety Strategic Partnership Board – including Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service – to assess whether speed awareness courses would make an effective additional contribution to road safety in Scotland.
The introduction of any such speed awareness courses in Scotland would require a robust evidence base and the approval of the Lord Advocate, who would also decide how they would be used in practice.
At present, prosecutors may offer diversion from prosecution courses in relation to careless driving, but there is no equivalent diversion scheme in relation to speeding.
We are therefore working with key partners from our Road Safety Strategic Partnership Board – including Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service – to assess whether speed awareness courses would make an effective additional contribution to road safety in Scotland.
The introduction of any such speed awareness courses in Scotland would require a robust evidence base and the approval of the Lord Advocate, who would also decide how they would be used in practice.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-28196 by reference.